Evan Nelle’s career game allowed De La Salle University to live another day after pulling off an 83-80 victory over University of the Philippines in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 84 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday afternoon, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Derrick Pumaren’s squad started the game with a strong sense of urgency and led by as much as 22 midway through the third quarter. The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, refused to give up easily as they mounted an 11-0 run to trim down the lead to a 55-66 disadvantage heading to the fourth quarter.
UP still attempted to make a late run by bringing the deficit down to only four points in the closing seconds of the final frame. However, DLSU managed to protect its lead as time expired to keep its playoff hopes alive in the Final Four.
“I think the boys really played hard today. I think we played 40 minutes of basketball. We played 40 minutes of solid, disciplined basketball today and that’s what I’ve been asking them to do,” said DLSU head coach Derrick Pumaren. “We’re proud of the way these guys played today. It was a team effort and everyone was on the same page in today’s game.”
The win marked the Green Archers’ first postseason triumph since Game Two of UAAP Season 80 Finals back on November 29, 2017. Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons’ loss served as their fifth-straight postseason defeat dating back to Season 81.
Nelle tallied a new career-best in scoring in the UAAP with 26 points built on five three-pointers to go with six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. He surpassed his previous high of 20 points scored in the second round against Ateneo back on April 12.
Justine Baltazar also notched 15 points,18 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks while Michael Phillips contributed seven points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, an assist, and a steal of his own.
With a strong effort from its frontline unit, DLSU gained a significant advantage in the rebounding department after grabbing 60 rebounds as opposed to UP’s 51. The Green Archers’ activity on the glass allowed them to outscore the Fighting Maroons, 25-18, in terms of second chance points.
Malick Diouf paced UP with 18 points, 20 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal. Ricci Rivero registered 18 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, two steals, and two assists while Zavier Lucero added 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
CJ Cansino didn’t get to suit up in today’s contest against DLSU as he remains day-to-day due to a bone bruise suffered in their previous game against Ateneo.
Both teams shall play their do-or-die game on Friday, 2:00 PM at SM MOA Arena.
The Scores:
DLSU 83 – Nelle 26, Baltazar 15, Lojera 11, M. Phillips 7, Austria 7, Winston 7, Nwankwo 4, Nonoy 3, Manuel 3, B. Phillips 0.
UP 80 – Diouf 18, Rivero 18, Lucero 17, Tamayo 8, Abadiano 7, Cagulangan 6, Spencer 3, Alarcon 3, Ramos 0, Fortea 0, Webb 0, Lina 0.
Quarterscores: 24-16, 48-37, 66-55, 83-80.
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